Six Moon Starlite and other ultralights

I've played around with the GG Vapor Trail — and I can attest that loaded up, it is indeed a very comfortable pack! No direct experience with SMD, but it too has gotten very good reviews — including one from the BPL testing team.

However, moving off the area of comfort, I believe the SMD has more features (e.g. well sized and well placed mesh pockets, easily accessible pad, etc.) that add to the pack's usability — if those features are important to you. Indeed, one reason I passed on the Vapor Trail and opted for something else instead was the VT's spartan design (this one is subjective, of course). But I was also unimpressed with the VT's side pockets — which did not allow a user to retrieve/replace items without removing the pack first.

As the mantra goes, comfort and fit are paramount, then come features and price. However you narrow down your pack selection, don't limit your final choice to only what your local stores put on their shelves. Most online retailers, including SMD have a good return policy — so your only risks are really just the shipping charge and possibly the return shipping (which should be minimal for a relatively light weight backpack).

I spent a lot of time (A LOT) looking at the SMD Starlite and Comet, Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus, the Vapor Trail, and ULA's packs, and for my needs I picked the Comet.

Same suspension as the Starlite, smaller volume, and better compression (in my opinion).

I haven't gotten to take it out for a real trip yet, but so far I am very impressed.

Let me know if you have any specific questions on the design.

I currently own the 06' starlite and am familiar w/ the GG packs as my buddy has a Vapor trail and I used to have a Nimbus Ozone. Tha Vapor trail carries really nice -its one of the most comfortable packs out there (in my opinion)and the compression system is simple and very effective. On the down side the side pockets are only "adaquate" for me. The SMD on the other hand has very usable and secure pockets, I love the tall pocket on one side for a shelter. So,if like me you like to make use of outside pockets (for wet gear/shelter/shell) the SMD is a better choice. Also, dont overlook how nice it is to have access to your sleep pad without rummaging through your packbag! Unless you strap yours on the ouside, but I think storing it in the SMD pad pocket is still more streamlined and secure. The Starlite also carries more at a rated 35 lbs. (40 w/ stays) and I think thats an accurate rating- and with a foam pad (as frame) if you are only going to carry 35-40 lbs. for very short periods of time The stays might not be nessassary. The SMD is almost a half pound lighter if Im not mistaken? So, I guess im saying my vote is for the starlite although they are both great packs.

I've used the Starlite as my primary pack over the past two seasons. I like almost everything about it. Love the big outside pockets and the pad suspension. I've carried over 40 pounds in it with no use of stays, and it carried just fine. It's a very comfortable pack for me.

I've had a few issues with durability – some stitching popping and webbing getting worn. But these problems appear to be improved in the 06 model.

There are times when I would prefer that it carried a small load more efficiently (better compression), but that's a really minor gripe. It is an excellent lightweight pack for moderate and large volume loads.

Don

Thanks a lot for the input everyone. It looks like im going to be leaning heavily towards the starlite, worse case, if I need a pack with better compression I could scoop up a used GG Virga or Vapor tail for a bill or less. Thanks again, and please let me know if there is anything else I might want to know about the starlite :)

Is the hip belt on the SMD Comet substantial, or just for stabilization? Is it comfortable when weighted as specified?

Have you looked at the Gossamer Gear Miniposa? If not then it is worth a look at least for comparison purposes. I used it recently for a short overnighter and was happy with it.

The Comet's belt is more substantial than most UL packs, but I'll have to hold off on comfort until I get some serious miles in.